Cheers to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey for signing a bill that prohibits the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling acts, including circuses, carnivals, and fairs across the state. This legislation, which goes into effect Jan. 1, marks a milestone in the ongoing effort to end the exploitation and mistreatment of animals for entertainment.

For years, Friends of Animals has advocated tirelessly against the cruelty of forcing animals like elephants, lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, and primates to perform in circuses and other traveling shows around the United States. These animals suffer in confinement, are subjected to abusive training methods and deprived of their natural behaviors, all for “family entertainment.”

“Animal advocates in Massachusetts have been working on this legislation for decades. It’s been a slog and sometimes frustrating,” said Priscilla Feral, president of Friends of Animals. “But the fact is that we CAN change the world for animals when we refuse to give up. We will end ALL animal use everywhere, one step at a time.”